Sunrise Simulation Sleep Mask

ABSTRACT

A sunrise simulation sleep mask for providing a mask that protect outside light from impinging on an individual&#39;s eye area during sleep and wakes an individual with light in the morning or when desired. The sunrise simulation sleep mask generally includes a mask apparatus, a light unit attached to the inside of the mask apparatus, a power supply, and a controller attached to the mask apparatus. Alternatively, a receiver and a mobile device may replace the aforementioned controller.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61420737 filed on Dec. 7, 2010, the disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to sleep masks and waking-updevices and more specifically it relates to a sunrise simulation sleepmask for providing a sleep mask that also wakes an individual withlight.

2. Description of Related Art

Sleep is a natural part of every individual's life. It is important fornormal motor and cognitive function. After sleeping people feel restedand more alert. The alternating cycle of sleeping at night and wakingduring the day is regulated by exposure to darkness or to light.Scientific study showed that exposure to light stimulates nerve signalsfrom the retina in the eye to a region in the brain calledsuprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is responsible for controllingcircadian rhythms. The neuronal and hormonal activities that the SCNgenerates regulate the entire body to feel sleepy or wide awake. OnceSCN is exposed to the first light each day, the SCN begins performingfunctions like raising body temperature and releasing stimulatinghormones like cortisol. The SCN also modulate the production/release ofother hormones like melatonin, which is associated with sleep onset.

Therefore, in order to get full sleep and feel refreshed and alert onthe next day, it is necessary to sleep in a dark environment wherethere's no trace light that would stimulate the nerve signal pathway(from the retina in the eye to SCN) to disturb sleep. This requirementseems simple but is difficult to meet for people who need to work atnight and sleep during daytime, for people who like to sleep withwindows/curtains/blinds open or light on or for people who share roomswith others. Sleeping masks to prevent outside light from shining on anindividual's eyes so that an individual can get full sleep without beingdisturbed by light are known in the art. More specifically, by way ofexample, U.S. Pat. No. 1,924,315 to Hemphill et al.; U.S. Pat. No.2,191,937 to Low; U.S. Pat. No. 2,342,840 to Cadous; and U.S. Pat. No.6,543,056 to Spilteri. Sleep masks are commercially available in themarketplace for decades. However, a sleeping mask also prevents anindividual from natural awakening by light.

Being awaken up in the morning by an audible alarm clock in the earlymorning or at night or during winter or under bad weather when it's darkoutside can be a torture due to the same mechanism discussed above—thehuman body needs light to stimulate nerve pathway to initiate signalsthat control human performing functions. Thus, artificial sunriselamps/clocks which simulate the sunrise sequence to help people to wakemore naturally easily and in a better mood are known in the art. Morespecifically, by way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,276,339 to Price; U.S.Pat. No. 3,727,395 to Baylor; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,889 to Chadwick.These are also commercially available Sunrise lamps/alarm clocks in themarketplace. However, for people who wear sleeping masks during theirsleep cannot benefit from sunrise lamps/alarm clocks because the lightwill be blocked by the sleeping masks.

Therefore, there exists a need for people who wear sleeping masks duringtheir sleep and like to wake up naturally and easily under the effect ofsunrise. So far, there is no invention in the prior art that addressesthis need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a waking-up device which includes amask apparatus, a light unit attached to the inside (interior) of themask, a controller, power supply, receiver, and headphone attached tothe mask apparatus, and a mobile device.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features ofthe invention in order that the detailed description thereof may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction or to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sunrise simulationsleep mask that prevents the outside light from impinging on anindividual's eye area during their sleep and wakes an individual withlight.

Another object is to provide a sunrise simulation sleep mask that can beprogrammed to wake an individual at a specified time using light.

Another object is to provide a sunrise simulation sleep mask thatilluminates the eye area of the user at a predetermined time.

Another object is to provide a sunrise simulation sleep mask that useslight emitting diode substrate fabric as its light source.

Another object is to provide a sunrise simulation sleep mask thatincreases the amount of light over a specified period of time.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeobvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects andadvantages are within the scope of the present invention. To theaccomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may beembodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attentionbeing called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrativeonly, and that changes may be made in the specific constructionillustrated and described within the scope of this application.

The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined inorder that the more detailed description that follows may be betterunderstood and in order that the present contribution to the art maybetter be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will bedescribed hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claimsthat follow.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangements of the componentsset forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of thepresent invention so that those skilled in the art may better understandthe detailed description of the invention that follows. Additionalfeatures of the invention will be described hereinafter that form thesubject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art shouldappreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception andspecific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying otherstructures for carrying out the same purposes of the present inventionand that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scopeof the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following detailed description, theappended claim, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elementsare given similar reference numerals.

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear view of the present invention showing the inside(interior) of the mask facing the user's face.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention showing the outside ofthe mask facing away from the user's face.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of one embodiment of the present inventionshowing the mask, retainer, controller, speaker, and power supplyaffixed to the mask apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a closer viewof the controller displaying user inputs and the input display.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B shows two diagrams illustrating two profiles forlight intensity and time.

FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention where thecontroller is replaced by a receiver and mobile device.

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing themobile device application that performs the functions of the controller.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, thefigures illustrate a mask apparatus, a light unit attached to the insideof the mask apparatus, a controller, power supply, receiver, andheadphone attached to the mask apparatus, and a mobile device.

B. Mask Apparatus

Referring to FIG. 1, 2, 3, there are disclosed a rear view, a front viewand a side view of an embodiment according to the present invention. Themask apparatus 10 comprises a mask 12 and a retainer 11. The mask 12 isa structure that covers the face of the user, having an inside(interior) designed to face the user (FIG. 1) and an outside designed toface away from the user (FIG. 2). The mask 12 is preferably made from afabric or other soft, moldable material that can be contoured to fit thefacial features of the user. However, various materials may be utilizedfor the mask 12. The function of the mask 12 is to prevent light fromimpinging on the eye area of the user. The interior is contoured to forma cavity so that the mask 12 does not touch the eyes of the user, whilestill preventing light from impinging on the eye area. The mask 12conforms to the facial features of the user. The mask 12 is connected toa retainer 11 coupling the mask 12 to the face of the user. The retainer11 secures the mask apparatus 10 to the user's head. In someembodiments, the retainer 11 will be an elastic band with a fasteningdevice to ensure the mask 12 fits snug on the user's face to prevent anyoutside light from impinging on the eyes. The mask apparatus 10 isconnected to other main elements. The interior (FIG. 1) of the mask 12is connected to a light unit 20. In some embodiments, the mask 12comprises a top outer layer and a bottom inner layer; the light unit 20might be affixed between the two layers. The outer layer (FIG. 2) wouldlie on top of the light unit 20 and hold the form of the apparatus, anda fabric inner layer beneath the light unit 20 would provide comfort tothe user. The mask apparatus 10 is attached to the controller 30 andpower supply 40 and headphone 70 (as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). Insome embodiments, a receiver 50 in wireless communication with a mobiledevice 60 will replace the controller 30 and will be affixed to the maskas shown in FIG. 7.

Mask 12 can be made from a variety of fabrics and materials, but willgenerally seek to use materials that will be lightweight and comfortablewhile blocking out light. As well, in some embodiments, eye cavity maybe omitted. Mask 12 can be made in different shapes, but preferablyconforms to the facial features of the user.

C. Light Unit

Now turning back to FIG. 1, the light unit 20 is a structure positionedover the eye area of the user. The light unit 20 comprises a LightEmitting Diode (or “LED” hereinafter) substrate fabric. The function ofthe light unit 20 is to direct soft light into the user's eye area whenactivated by the controller 30. The light unit 20 is affixed to theinterior of the mask 12 and conforms to the shape and contour of themask 10. The light unit is connected to the controller 30 (and in someembodiments, the receiver 50 and mobile device 60). The light unit 20 isconnected to and powered by the power supply 40.

The light unit 20 is controlled and activated by the controller 30 (andin some embodiments by the receiver 50 and mobile device 60). The lightintensity and timing of the light unit 20 are determined by the userinputs 31, 32, 33, 35 (as shown in FIG. 4). The light unit 20 isdesigned to direct light into the eye area of the user at a specifictime to aid in waking the user. Light emitting diode substrate fabric isan improvement over prior art. It allows the light unit to be flexible,lightweight, comfortable, and may prove to be more energy efficient.

In some embodiments, the light emitting diode substrate might bepositioned under a first layer of fabric and above a second layer offabric of the mask 12. The first layer blocks outside light fromimpinging on user's eye and holds the form of a mask 12; the secondlayer provides comfort to user and diffuses light while allows the LEDlight to penetrate through to wake up the user. Although the lightemitting diode substrate fabric is the preferred method, otherembodiments of similar luminescent fabrics and light sources may beused. As well, in some embodiments, other LED sources light sources, orelectroluminescent fabric displays will be used. Different color,wavelength, temperature, arrangement and direction of light may be used.

D. Controller

Referring to FIG. 4, there is disclosed an embodiment of a controller 30according to the present invention. The controller 30 is a unit thatdisplays, controls, and activates user inputs. The controller 30comprises a display 34 showing time in hours and minutes and user inputs31, 32, 33, 35. The function of the controller 30 is to display the userinputs and activate the light unit 20 and headphone 70 as illustrated bythe flow chart in FIG. 5 which will be explained in detail in latersection. The controller 30 is configured to control the intensity andtiming of the light unit 20 and to activate an audible alarm through theheadphone 70. The controller 30 is affixed to the mask apparatus 10. Thecontroller 30 is connected to the light unit 20 and headphone 70 throughan electronic connection. The controller 30 is connected to and poweredby the power supply 40. The controller 30 may have internal memory tohelp perform its functions. The controller 30 is programmed to activatethe light source 20 at a set time and increase the intensity of thelight source 20 over a predetermined time (FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B) tosimulate a sunrise. The controller 30 is programmed to activate theheadphone 70 at a set time to emit an audible alarm (FIG. 5). The methodof or arrangement of wiring or connecting the above electroniccomponents and mounting them will be well known to those with ordinaryskill in the electronic and mechanical arts. Controller 30 isstandardized, arranged to cause it to perform the functions indicated:Specifically, the controller 30 will activate the light unit 20 tosimulate a sunrise sequence, where the light unit 20 slowly increasesits illumination over a preset period of time (FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B). Thecontroller 30 will activate the headphone 70 to emit an audible alarm ata predetermined time (FIG. 5). Controller 30 is programmed by user toactivate the sequence. User inputs the desired alarm time on thecontroller 30. Sequence will linearly or exponentially increase lightintensity over a predetermined time (as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B).In one embodiment, buttons control hours input 31, minutes input 32,alarm activation 33, and end light intensity input 35. In otherembodiments, the button and function arrangements may be different. Thelight and timing profile of the activated alarm will generally followthe sequence outlined in FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, a mobile device 60 and receiver 50 will replace thecontroller 30 (such as an iPhone—shown in FIG. 7). Acting as atransmitter, the mobile device 60 will control all aforementioned inputsof the controller 30 (as shown in FIG. 8), communicated to and activatedby the receiver 50. Alternate timings and light intensity profiles maybe used as well. A number of profiles may be programmed by a user thatwill control the output of light over a period of time, determined bythe user inputs.

E. Power Supply

The power supply is a standardized unit that powers the light unit,controller, headphone and receiver. The power supply is affixed to themask apparatus and connected electronically to the light unit,controller, headphone, and receiver. The method of or arrangement ofwiring or connecting the above electronic components and mounting themwill be well known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic andmechanical arts.

FIG. 3 shows the power supply 40 (in the form of a battery) attached tothe mask apparatus 10. The power supply 40 will power the light unit 20,controller 30, receiver 50 and headphone 70. Preferably, the powersupply 40 will be a battery that can provide energy to all connectedelements.

Power supply 40 may vary and can include disposable, long life orchargeable batteries.

F. Receiver

Referring to FIG. 7, there is disclosed an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention which has a mobile device 60 and receiver 50 toreplace the controller 30. The receiver 50 is a unit that communicateswith the mobile device 60. The function of the receiver 50 is toactivate the user inputs from the mobile device 60. The receiver 50 isconnected to the light unit 20 and controls the intensity and timing ofthe light unit 20. The receiver 50 is connected to the headphone 70 andemits an audible alarm. The receiver 50 is affixed to the mask apparatus10. The receiver 50 is connected to the light unit 20 and headphone 70through an electronic connection. The receiver 50 is connected to themobile device 60 through a wireless electronic connection. The receiver50 is connected to and powered by the power supply 70. The method of orarrangement of wiring or connecting the above electronic components andmounting them will be well known to those with ordinary skill in theelectronic and mechanical arts.

Profiles for light intensity and timing will be communicated from themobile device 60 (from the determined user inputs) and activated by thereceiver 50. The receiver 50 is a unit that is in wireless communicationwith the mobile device 60 and performs the functions of the controller30. The receiver 50 is standardized. The receiver is affixed to the maskapparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 7. The receiver 50 is powered by the powersupply 40. The receiver is connected to the light unit 20 and activatesthe intensity of light. The receiver is connected to the headphone 70and emits the audible alarm. The receiver 50 is in wirelesscommunication with the mobile device 60 and performs the determined userinputs (light intensity and timing).

G. Mobile Device

In some embodiments, a mobile device and receiver will replace thecontroller. The mobile device is a unit that communicates with thereceiver (preferably an iPhone). The function of the mobile device is todisplay the user inputs and activate the light unit through thereceiver. The mobile device is configured to control the intensity andtiming of the light unit. The mobile device performs all the functionsaforementioned by the controller, and communicates them to the receiver.The mobile device is connected to the receiver wirelessly and containsits own power supply. The method of or arrangement of wiring orconnecting the above electronic components and mounting them will bewell known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic and mechanicalarts.

Mobile device 60 acts as a transmitter to replace the controller 30, asshown in FIG. 7. A mobile application will perform all functionsaforementioned by the controller 30 (as illustrated in FIG. 8). Themobile device 60 is in communication with the receiver 50 andcommunicates the timing and intensity of the light of the light unit 20.The mobile device will use a software application to perform thefunction of the controller. Software will have user inputs that will becommunicated to and activated by the receiver, as shown in FIG. 8. Themobile device 60 is a unit that displays, controls, and activates userinputs. The mobile device 60 (as shown in FIG. 8) comprises a displayshowing time in hours and minutes 65 and user inputs 61, 62, 63, 64. Thefunction of the mobile device 60 is to display the user inputs andtransmit the inputs to the receiver 50 to activate the light unit 20 andheadphone 70 (as shown in FIG. 5). The mobile device 60 is configured tocontrol the intensity and timing of the light unit 20 and to activate anaudible alarm through the headphone 70. The mobile device 60 isprogrammed to activate the light source at a set time and increase theintensity of the light source 20 over a predetermined time. The mobiledevice 60 is programmed to activate the headphone 70 at a set time andactivate an audible alarm (FIG. 5). The method of or arrangement ofwiring or connecting the above electronic components and mounting themwill be well known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic andmechanical arts. Specifically, the mobile device 60 communicates withthe receiver 50 to activate the light unit 20 to simulate a sunrisesequence. The mobile device 60 will activate the headphone 70 to soundan audible alarm at a predetermined time (FIG. 5). Mobile device 60 isprogrammed by user to activate the sequence. User inputs the desiredalarm time on the mobile device 60. In one embodiment, inputs controlhours input 61, minutes input 62, alarm activation 63, and end lightintensity input 64. In other embodiments, the button and functionarrangement of the user inputs may be different.

H. Headphone

The headphone 70 is a standardized unit that, when activated, emits anaudible alarm. At least one headphone 70 is affixed to the maskapparatus 10. The headphone 70 is connected to the controller 30 (and insome embodiments, the receiver 50). The headphone 70 is connected to andpowered by the power supply 40.

The headphone 70 is controlled and activated by the controller 30 (andin some embodiments by the receiver 50 and mobile device 60). The timingof the audible alarm activation is determined by the user inputs 31, 32,33. The headphone 70 is designed to sound an audible alarm at thedesired alarm time. The headphone 70 is an improvement over prior art.It prevents the user from missing the intended alarm time if the lightis not effective in fully arousing them. The headphone 70 may be turnedoff if desired.

In some embodiments, the headphone 70 can be omitted. Mask apparatus 10may contain multiple headphones 70.

I. Connections of Main Elements and Sub-Elements of Invention

The mask apparatus 10 comprises the mask 12 and the retainer 11 asillustrated in FIG. 1 through 3 of the drawings. The mask apparatus 10is attached to the controller 30, power supply 40, and headphone 70 asillustrated in FIG. 3. The mask apparatus 10 may be connected to themain elements via various conventional attachment methods.

The light unit 20 is affixed to the interior of the mask 12 asillustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings and is positioned over the eyearea of the user. The light unit 20 is in electrical communication withthe power supply 40, which provides electrical power to the light unit20. The light unit 20 is in electrical communication with the controller30. The light unit 20 is controlled and activated by the controller 30.

The controller 30 is affixed to the mask apparatus 10 as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3. The controller 30 is in electrical communication with thelight unit 20 and headphone 70. The controller 30 is in electricalcommunication with the power supply 40, which provides electrical powerto the controller 30.

The headphone 70 is affixed to the mask apparatus 10 as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3. The headphone 70 is in electrical communication thecontroller 30. The headphone 70 is in electrical communication with thepower supply 40, which provides electrical power to the headphone 70.The headphone 70 is controlled and activated by the controller 30.

FIGS. 2 and 3 shows the power supply 40 (in the form of a battery)attached to the mask apparatus 10. The power supply 40 is in electricalcommunication with and powers the light unit 20, controller 30, receiver50, and headphone 70. The method of or arrangement of wiring orconnecting the above electronic components and mounting them will bewell known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic and mechanicalarts.

1st Alternative Variation:

Alternatively, the controller 30 may be omitted and replaced instead bya receiver 50 in wireless communication with a mobile device 60 asillustrated in FIG. 7. The receiver 50 is affixed to the mask apparatus10 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The receiver 50 is in electricalcommunication with the light unit 20 and headphone 70. The receiver 50is in electrical communication with the power supply 40, which provideselectrical power to the receiver 50.

The receiver 50 is in wireless connection with the mobile device 60 toactivate the light unit 20 and headphone 70. The mobile device 60 willuse a software application to perform the function of the controller 30.Software will have user inputs 61, 62, 63, 64 that will be communicatedto and activated by the receiver 50, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Themethod of or arrangement of wiring or connecting the above electroniccomponents and mounting them will be well known to those with ordinaryskill in the electronic and mechanical arts.

J. Alternative Embodiments of Invention

In some embodiments, a mobile device 60 and receiver 50 will replace thecontroller 30, as shown in FIG. 7. The method of or arrangement ofwiring or connecting the above electronic components and mounting themwill be well known to those with ordinary skill in the electronic andmechanical arts. Receiver 50 will activate the light intensity andtiming of the light unit 20. The receiver 50 will activate theheadphone. Profiles for light intensity and timing will be communicatedfrom the mobile device 60 (from the determined user inputs) andactivated by the receiver 50. The receiver 50 is a unit that is inwireless communication with the mobile device 60 to activate thefunctions of the controller 30. The receiver 50 is standardized. Thereceiver 50 is affixed to the mask apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 7. Thereceiver 50 is powered by the power supply 40. The receiver 50 isconnected to the light unit 20 and activates the intensity of light. Thereceiver 50 is connected to the headphone 70 and activates the audiblealarm. The receiver 50 is in wireless communication with the mobiledevice 60 and performs the determined user inputs (light intensity andtiming).

Mobile device 60 acts as a transmitter to replace the controller 30, asshown in FIG. 7. A mobile device 60 application will perform allfunctions aforementioned by the controller 30. The mobile device 60 isin communication with the receiver 50 and communicates the timing andintensity of the light. The mobile device 60 will use a softwareapplication to perform the function of the controller 30. Software willhave user inputs that will be communicated to and activated by thereceiver 50, as shown in FIG. 8.

K. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

Returning to FIG. 4, there is disclosed a front view of the controllerof the present invention and FIG. 5, there is disclosed a flow chartillustrating operation of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Before sleep, user inputs the desired alarm time andintensity on the controller 30 (or in some embodiments, the mobiledevice 60). User sets the alarm time by inputting the hour input 31, andthe minute input 32 on the controller 30. User also sets the endinglight intensity with the end light intensity input 35 on the controller30. Desired alarm time displays on the display 34 on the controller 30and indicates the time that the user would like to be woken up (FIG. 4).User activates the alarm with the activation input 33. User then securesthe mask 12 to the user's face by adjusting the retainer 11 to acomfortable fit. 30 minutes before the desired alarm time, thecontroller 30 (or mobile device 60) activates the light unit 20 to startthe sunrise simulation sequence (FIG. 5). The light unit 20 graduallygrows brighter in a linear or exponential fashion (FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B)until it reaches the desired alarm time and intensity. At the desiredalarm time, the headphone 70 emits an audible alarm to prevent the userfrom sleeping through the desired alarm time. Light unit 20 turns off atthe end of the sequence or is deactivated by the user using thecontroller 30 by pressing the activation input 34.

What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodimentof the invention along with some of its variations. The terms,descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way ofillustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in theart will recognize that many variations are possible within the spiritand scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in theirbroadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headingsutilized within the description are for convenience only and have nolegal or limiting effect.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out thefundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferredembodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is considered asillustrative only of the principles of the invention and not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described toprovide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and itspractical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art toutilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the invention asdetermined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance withthe breadth to which they are entitled.

1. A sunrise simulation sleep mask comprising: (a) a mask apparatuscomprises a mask and a retainer, the mask is a structure that covers theeye area of a user, having an inside designed to face the user and anoutside designed to face away from the user, the retainer is attached tothe mask and coupling the mask to the user's face and secures the maskto the user's head; (b) a light unit designed to direct light into theeye area of the user at a specific time to aid in waking the user isattached to the mask; (c) a means for controlling the light unit and theheadphone is attached to the mask apparatus and is electronicallyconnected to the light unit and the headphone; and (d) a power supply isattached to the mask apparatus, providing electricity to the light unit,headphone, and means for controlling the light unit and headphone. 2.The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 1 further comprising at leastone headphone to emit audible alarm at a specific time is attached tothe mask apparatus.
 3. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 2wherein the means for controlling the light unit and the headphone is acontroller which comprises a display that shows time in clock format anduser inputs that control the light unit and headphone, the controller isconfigured to activate the user inputs to control the intensity andtiming of the light unit and to emit an audible alarm through theheadphone.
 4. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 3 wherein thecontroller has built-in programs to select to activate the light sourceat a set time and linearly or exponentially increase the light intensityover a predetermined time to simulate a sunrise sequence.
 5. The sunrisesimulation sleep mask of claim 4 wherein the controller can beprogrammed by the user to simulate a sunrise sequence instead of usingbuilt-in programs.
 6. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 2wherein the means for controlling the light unit and the headphone is areceiver which is in wireless communication with a mobile device, theuser's inputs that control the light unit and headphone are made throughthe mobile device and transmitted to the receiver which in turnsactivates the inputs to control the intensity and timing of the lightunit and to emit an audible alarm through the headphone.
 7. The sunrisesimulation sleep mask of claim 1 wherein the light unit is attached tothe side of the mask facing the user.
 8. The sunrise simulation sleepmask of claim 1 wherein the mask comprises two layers, a top layer and abottom layer, the light unit is affixed between the two layers, the toplayer over the light unit can hold the form of the mask apparatus andthe bottom fabric layer can provide comfort to the users eye area andallow the light from the light unit to penetrate and diffuse through. 9.The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 1 wherein the mask can bemade from a variety of fabrics and materials, preferably materials thatare lightweight, comfortable, and can block out light.
 10. The sunrisesimulation sleep mask of claim 1 wherein the mask can have eye cavity orcavities.
 11. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 1 wherein theretainer is an elastic band with a fastening means to ensure the maskfits snug on the user's face to prevent any outside light from impingingon the eyes.
 12. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 1 whereinvarious luminescent fabrics, light sources, colors, wavelengths,temperatures, arrangements and directions of light may be used in thelight unit.
 13. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 12 whereinthe light unit comprises a light emitting diode substrate fabric. 14.The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 6 further comprising a mobiledevice in wireless communication with the receiver, the mobile devicecomprises a display showing time in clock format and user inputs, andactivates the user inputs and controls the light unit and the headphonethrough the receiver.
 15. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 14where in the mobile device is programmed to activate the light source ata set time and increase the intensity of the light source over apredetermined time, the mobile device is programmed to activate theheadphone at a set time and activate an audible alarm.
 16. A sunrisesimulation sleep mask comprising: (a) a mask apparatus comprises a maskand a retainer, the mask is a structure that covers the eye area of auser, having an inside facing the user and an outside facing away fromthe user, the retainer is attached to the mask and coupling the mask tothe user's face and secures the mask to the user's head; (b) a lightunit designed to direct light into the eye area of the user at aspecific time to aid in waking the user comprising a light emittingdiode substrate fabric is attached to the mask; (c) at least oneheadphone to emit audible alarm at a specific time is attached to themask apparatus; (d) a controller comprising a display that shows time inclock format and user inputs that control the light unit and headphoneis attached to the mask apparatus and electronically connected to thelight unit and headphone, the controller is configured to activate theuser inputs to control the intensity and timing of the light unit and toemit an audible alarm through the headphone; and (e) a power supply isattached to the mask apparatus, providing electricity to the light unit,headphone, and controller.
 17. A sunrise simulation sleep maskcomprising: (a) a mask apparatus comprises a mask and a retainer, themask is a structure that covers the eye area of a user, having an insidefacing the user and an outside facing away from the user, the retaineris attached to the mask and coupling the mask to the user's face andsecures the mask to the user's head; (b) a light unit designed to directlight into the eye area of the user at a specific time to aid in wakingthe user comprising a light emitting diode substrate fabric is attachedto the mask; (c) at least one headphone to emit audible alarm at aspecific time is attached to the mask apparatus; (d) a receiver which isattached to the mask apparatus and electronically connected to the lightunit and headphone, receives and activates user's inputs to control thelight unit and headphone via wireless communication with a mobile devicewhere the user's inputs to control light unit and headphone are madethrough and transmitted; and (e) a power supply is attached to the maskapparatus, providing electricity to the light unit, headphone, andreceiver.
 18. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 17 furthercomprising a mobile device in wireless communication with the receiver,the mobile device comprises a display showing time in clock format anduser inputs, and activates the user inputs and controls the light unitand the headphone through the receiver.
 19. The sunrise simulation sleepmask of claim 16 wherein the mask comprises two layers, a top layer anda bottom layer, and the light unit is affixed between the two layers,the top layer over the light unit can hold the form of the maskapparatus and the bottom fabric layer can provide comfort to the userseye area and allow the light from the light unit to penetrate anddiffuse through.
 20. The sunrise simulation sleep mask of claim 17wherein the mask comprises two layers, a top layer and a bottom layer,and the light unit is affixed between the two layers, the top layer overthe light unit can hold the form of the mask apparatus and the bottomfabric layer can provide comfort to the users eye area and allow thelight from the light unit to penetrate and diffuse through.